Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The WHL Kootenay Ice have re-assigned defenceman Mark
O'Shaughnessy to the Vernon Vipers.

This is posted on the Ice website:

Weekly ICE Report, September 29, 2014

TRANSACTIONS / INJURY:

The Kootenay Ice have re-assigned Forward Shane Allan (December 19, 1997) to the Calgary Royals of the Alberta midget hockey league and Defenseman Mark O'Shaughnessy (July 31, 1997) to the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League...Forward Alexander Chirva (March 25, 1996) has been released...Defenseman Rinat Valiev will be out of the ICE line up two to four weeks with a lower body injury.

The Vancouver Canucks website has an article-interview
with former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Zalewski.

Zalewski attended the Canucks Prospects development camp in early July and was also at the Canucks Training camp got into some exhibition games with the Canucks before being sent down to the American Hockey League.

Zalewski left his third year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) last season signing with the Canucks on March 17th 2014. Zalewski skated in his first NHL practice with the Canucks on March 21, 2014 before making his NHL debut on Saturday April 12 2014 in a 5-2 loss in Edmonton. Zalewski picked up his first career NHL point (assist) in a 5-1 win over the visiting Calgary Flames the following night. Zalewski played two season's in Vernon (2010-2012) In 106 regular season games with the Vipers Zalewski collected (50-goals-54-assists-104-points).

He wasn’t a big draft pick and there wasn’t a flashy press conference when he signed, but Mike Zalewski has done something that a lot of players at the 2014 Young Stars Classic have yet to do: play in the NHL.

After signing with Vancouver in March, Zalewski joined the Canucks for the remainder of the season where he was able to train and adapt to the pro life style. After nearly a month of practicing and training, the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder got to fulfill a lifelong dream as he was slotted into the lineup for the Canucks’ final two games of the season.

“Everybody’s dream is to play in the NHL,” said Zalewski, who earned one assist and

Zalewski knows just how beneficial that time in Vancouver was for his development. Not only did it make him hungrier to get to that level on a full-time basis, but hanging around the pro game after spending two seasons in the NCAA not only helped him then, but it will also prove to be an added bonus for winger come time for his first NHL camp starting later this week.

“To be able to skate and train in Vancouver for a month last season was huge,” he said. “Getting to know the guys and more importantly seeing how they prepare day in and day out make a huge difference for me coming into this season rather than just having to jump into my first camp not knowing anything.”

Zalewski knows that cracking the Canucks roster out of camp may be tough, but it’s not out of the question if he can showcase his game during the pre-season. He’s a blue-collar player that has a motor that doesn’t seem to shut off.

“I just need to show everyone the game that I can play and what I bring to the table,” said Zalewski, who is back in the Okanagan for the first time since his playing days with the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers. “Every time I go on the ice I have to bring what I got and do all the little things right. If I can prove to them what I do right and what I bring to the table I think I will give myself a chance.”

was plus-2 in the two games. “To get that chance and to play a couple games makes you want it that much more. It was a really exciting time and I hope I can get that chance again this season.”

There’s a chance the New Hartford, New York product will be down in Utica developing his game with the Canucks AHL affiliate next season. Comets coach Travis Green, who is also behind the bench for the Canucks at the 2014 Young Stars Classic, is getting his first look at Zalewski in Penticton and likes what he sees.

“He is a good, honest, hardworking player that plays the game well,” said Green. “He is strong on the puck and will probably be able to play in a couple different roles next season. I have liked his game so far, there isn’t a lot I don’t like. I would like to watch him play a little longer to give a definitive answer, but I have liked what I have seen so far.”

Playing for the Comets would also be a bit of a homecoming for Zalewski as his hometown of New Hartford is located just outside of Utica, but if it were up to him, he wouldn’t be going home until the off-season.

“That will be exciting as well,” he said. “Obviously I want to play here in Vancouver and I would rather be here, but the next best option would be playing in the AHL in my hometown.

“If I end up there I would be a great experience, but my goal is to play here in Vancouver.”

Meet Canucks Prospect Mike Zalewski

After recently signing his first NHL contract, forward Mike Zalewski chats with Joey Kenward about his days in the BCHL and NCAA as he prepares to take the next step in his hockey career with the Vancouver Canucks.

Monday, September 29, 2014

The American Hockey League (AHL) Worcester Sharks have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Kyle Bigos.

Bigos spent last season with three different teams (San Francisco, Ontario & Worcester). Bigos signed his first semi-pro contract with the Worcester Sharks on July, 16th 2013.

Bigos attended the San Jose Sharks Training Camp last season before being released back to Worcester where he was then assigned to the East Coast Hockey League San Francisco Bulls on October, 1st 2013. In 40 games with the Bulls Bigos collected (2-goals-4-assists-6-points) before the team ceased operations in late January. Bigos become an unrestricted free agent signed with East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Ontario Reign playing in 19 games collected (1-goal-4-assists-5-points). Bigos was called up to the AHL played in five games with the Worcester Sharks registered one assist before being sent back down to the ECHL.

Bigos played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009) collecting (10-goals-40-assists-50-points) in 166 regular season games with the Vipers. Bigos an assistant captain in his second and final season with the Vipers was drafted 99th overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Bigos attended the Oilers Developement Camp two out of the last three years. The Edmonton Oilers traded Bigos to San Jose for Lee Moffie on July 7th 2013.

WORCESTER — The American Hockey League schedule is out, and for the 20th time in the last 21 years, it includes games here. The IceCats played 11 AHL seasons. This will be the ninth for the Sharks, and as of yet, no guarantees are in place that there will be more.

What is guaranteed is that Worcester has a new assistant coach in Ryan Mougenel, a returning head coach in record-setter Roy Sommer, and has missed the playoffs in each of the past four seasons.

The Sharks open their 76-game schedule on the road, as they have for all nine of their seasons, on Oct. 11. They will play in Binghamton, marking the first time Worcester has opened against the Senators. However, the Sharks have opened outside of New England before — in 2009-10 in Adirondack and two years ago in Norfolk.

Worcester's first home game will be on Oct. 18 against the Providence Bruins.
As the league has released the regular-season schedule, the Sharks announced their preseason schedule as well. It is brief, as is traditional, and includes games against the Hartford Wolf Pack, as is traditional. Both will be in Connecticut — Oct. 2 at Quinnipiac in Hamden and Oct. 4 at Trinity College in Hartford. Both are 7 p.m. starts

Worcester opens its training camp Sept. 30 at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro.

"I like it," Sommer said of the schedule. He is back in town after spending some time at his Montana retreat and will be headed for San Jose in not too long. "I like the way the road trips are laid out, and I like that we have five or six games in October. Usually, it's more like two."

Eight of Worcester's first 11 games will be on home ice.
The AHL has undergone a couple of offseason franchise shifts, but neither of them will really have a major effect on the Sharks. Adirondack lost the Phantoms to Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, a move that had been in the works ever since the team moved north from Philadelphia.

Glens Falls, however, replaced the Phantoms with the relocated Abbotsford Heat. Worcester will play Lehigh Valley four times but does not play the new Adirondack team.

Opening night in Binghamton will be the Sharks' only visit of the regular season there as the Senators are one of the three teams Worcester plays just twice. Syracuse and Wilkes-Barre are the others. In all, the Sharks play 14 of a possible 29 opponents.

As usual, and as Worcester likes in terms of the financial side of things, it plays Providence 12 times.

All six P-Bruins games at the DCU Center will be played on Saturday nights.
The Sharks also play Manchester 12 times, home-and-home. They play St. John's and Portland eight times each, with the four games in Maine scheduled to be played in Portland this season rather than in Lewiston.

Worcester has signed several players to AHL contracts in recent weeks after getting Jimmy Bonneau's name on the dotted line earlier this summer.

The newcomers list includes two players who had brief stints here last year — defensemen Kyle Bigos and Nick Jones, with Bigos going plus-5 in five games. Worcester has also signed forward Jeremy Langlois, who was with four pro teams last year including Springfield and Bridgeport in the AHL; forward Evan Trupp, a pro for three years, most of them in the ECHL; and defenseman Gus Young out of Yale, whose next pro game will be his first.

Sommer is taking a wait-and-see attitude towards the league's new overtime format, which extends overtime to seven minutes, the last three or so being three-on-three. The shootout is down to three players a side.

"It will be interesting," he said. "The three-on-three might be wild. We might go with two forwards and a defenseman, or maybe even three forwards."

The Sharks were the league's best shootout team last season. They can start practicing their new OT skills at the end of next month, and start trying them out for real on Oct. 11 in Binghamton.

This is posted on the Sharks website:

Worcester Sharks announce several player signings for the 2014-15 season

September 8, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Two forwards and three defensemen join Worcester for the 2014-15 season

WORCESTER, MA – Worcester Sharks (@WorcesterSharks) General Manager Joe Will has announced

the signings of several players for the 2014-15 season. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The Worcester Sharks have inked forwards Jeremy Langlois and Evan Trupp, along with defensemen Kyle Bigos, Nick Jones, and Gus Young to AHL deals for the 2014-15 season.

Forward Jeremy Langlois, 24, enters his second professional season after recording 60pts (19-41-60) in 55 games with Evansville (ECHL) and Stockton (ECHL) last season. Langlois also appeared in 12 AHL games with Springfield and Bridgeport (2-2-4) during the 2013-14 season. The 6-0, 175lbs native of Tempe, AZ recorded 100pts (56-44-100) over four years and 156 games with Quinnipiac University and was part of the Bobcats run to the National Championship Game in 2013.

Forward Evan Trupp, 26, enters his fourth professional season after recording 50pts (17-33-50) in 51 games with the Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces (ECHL) last season. Trupp also appeared in 17 games with the Abbotsford Heat (1-6-7) in 2013-14. The 5-10, 160lbs native of Anchorage, AK has recorded 119pts (36-83-119) in 166 games in the ECHL with Cincinnati, Bakersfield, and Alaska after spending four years at the University of North Dakota.

Defenseman Kyle Bigos, 25, enters his second professional season with the Worcester Sharks. Last season, Bigos played five games (0-1-1) for Worcester, 40 games (2-6-8) with the San Francisco Bulls (ECHL), and 19 games (1-4-5) with the Ontario Reign (ECHL). The 6-5, 230lb native of Upland, CA recorded 47pts (14-33-47) and 457 penalty minutes over four years and 133 games with Merrimack College.

Defenseman Nick Jones, 24, enters his first full professional season after recording 93pts (32-61-93) in 156 games with Mercyhurst College. The 6-2, 200lbs native of Cranberry, PA made his professional debut with Worcester at the end of last season and appeared in two games before playing four games (0-1-1) with the Ontario Reign in the ECHL playoffs.

Defenseman Gus Young, 23, enters his first professional season after recording 40pts (12-28-40) over four years and 110 games with Yale University. The 6-2, 200lb native of Dedham, MA was the captain at Yale University last season and was a part of the National Championship Team in 2013. Young was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche with the 184th pick overall in 2009.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

For anyone who could not attend or watch today’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from today’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw today’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at this afternoon's Vipers-Rivermen game as Langley defeated Vernon 7-4 in front of 1,298 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Langley: Darren Martin

1st Period: The Vipers would get a great opportunity early to open the scoring, just under three minutes into the contest Jake Emilio's point shot was kicked out by Darren Martin before Luke Voltin jumped on the rebound in front missed the net from in close. On that shift Vernon would get the games first powerplay of the afternoon. With just one Vernon shot the Rivermen were able to kill off the penalty. Langley has a big team and used their weight laying out some checks early and often through out the opening period as well as had a few players trying to get under the skin of several Vipers. The Vipers showed more speed and skill up front created several scoring chances but couldnt hit the net missing on some good opportunities. Thomas Aldworth setup Trevor Fidler on a Viper odd man rush but Fidler couldnt find the back of the net from in close. In the second half the Rivermen would get their first look with the man advantage but couldnt capitalize as both teams went 0-1 on the PP. Late in the frame the Vipers lost the puck battle inside their own zone, allowing Zac Masson to setup Jacob Zeleznikar who ripped a wicked shot topshlef upstairs past Jarrod Schamerhorn giving Langley a 1-0 lead at 16:32 Masson & Brendan Gulka picked up the assists. With two minutes remaining Blaine Caton tried splitting the Rivermen defence going in for the parcial breakaway before William Campion come up with a huge defensive play taking the puck away from the Viper forward. The Rivermen were up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers had their legs going in the opening period really used their speed and skill created several scoring chances but couldnt hit the net. Langley played a fairly physical period also looked to get under the skin of the Vipers. I thought Vernon had a slight edge in play, definitely had the better scoring chances. The Rivermen are a hard working team that didnt generate alot of chances in the period but were up a goal. Vernon outshot Langley 8-7.

2nd Period: The Vipers would get an early powerplay but really struggle getting in the Langley zone. Vernon had all kinds of troubles getting the puck through the neutral zone recorded just one shot looked very disorganized with the man advantage, as the Rivermen killed off the penalty. The Vipers looked very disorganized and scrambly couldnt seem to get much of anything going. Actually neither team looked that great to start the second period. The Vipers did get a great chance to tie the game after Thomas Aldworth's breakaway missed the net on another missed opportunity. Vernon would finally get on the board scoring their first goal at home this season after Riley Brandt's hard work paid off finding the back of the net tied the game at 6:37 Branden Wagner and Mitchell Oliver collected the helpers. On the following shift Liam Coughlin couldnt hit the net on a Viper odd man rush as Vernon was having troubles hitting the net in back to back home games. The Vipers come up with atleast three or four good opportunities in close but once again didnt have the finish missing the net. Shortly after Gage Torrel went in for a parcial breakaway/Rivermen two on one but looked to lose the handle on the puck before Vipers starting goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn was able to make the save smothering the puck. Langley struggled offensively had just one shot at one point during the period in atleast six or seven minutes. Thomas Aldworth with a great opportunity was alone at the side of the net on the goal line had Darren Martin down and out somehow missed shooting high and over the empty Langley net. Tempers heated up after the Rivermen thought a Viper player shot the puck towards Langley starting goaltender Darren Martin after the whistle wich drew a large crowd, as players started pushing and shoving the small scrum formed into the corner before the scrum was broken up. Vernon would lose Kenny Citron while the Rivermen would lose Brendan Gulka as both players were given ten minute misconducts. The Vipers would grab their first lead of the afternoon, Thomas Aldworth streaking down the left wing ripped a wicked wrist shot past Darren Martin giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 14:05 Aldworth's goal was unassisted. For the second straight period Langley didnt show much offensive threat getting just six shots on goal this period. Vernon would get into penalty trouble in the final minutes and it cost them as the Rivermen with two late goals took the lead into the third. Kevan Kilistoff with a wicked wrist shot from the circle looked to go post and in past Schamerhorn tying the game 2-2 at 19:29 Will Cook with the lone helper. On the play the Vipers were getting a penalty, inwich the Rivermen would head right back to the powerplay. Just seventeen seconds later Gage Torrel put Langley up 3-2 at 19:46 Marcus Vela and Will Cook picked up the assists. Langley with a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes of play. Vernon looked very disorganized and scrambly off the start of the period. Struggled with the man advantage, had all kinds of troubles getting through the neutral zone and into the Rivermen end. Vernon would score twice to take their first lead of the day before giving up two late goals in the final two minutes to once again fall down by a goal. The Vipers with a few good opportunities once again couldnt hit the net. Langley like the opening period didnt show alot of skill but managed to score twice on just six shots were up a goal looking for their first win of the season. The Vipers outshot the Rivermen 9-6.

3rd Period: In the opening minute Eric Udahl with back to back opportunities couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn. Udahl was stopped at the side of the net before being stopped from the high slot. Schamerhorn with two big stops early. After a lackluster 2nd period the Vipers responded with the games tying goal early to start the 3rd. Mackenzie Bauer at 2:02 tied the game 3-3 Trevor Fidler and Thomas Aldworth with the assists. But just over four minutes later Brendan Gulka gave Langley their third lead of the afternoon at 6:14 William Campion's point shot missed the goal come off the back boards right to Gulka at the side of the net on a lucky break for the Rivermen. Campion & Marcus Vela with the assists. Once again Vernon responded with a quick hard working shift thirty nine seconds later. Jagger Williamson setup Liam Coughlin going to the net beat Martin tied the game at 4-4 at 6:53 Williamson with the lone helper. Shortly after Darren Martin come way out of his crease to get the loose puck, Martin's pass went off Ayden MacDonald headed back towards the open cage before a Rivermen d-man was able to clear the front of the net on a close call. The Vipers with two close calls after Thomas Aldworth couldnt beat Martin who flashed the leather with a quick glove save. Once again the Rivermen would re-take the lead after Brendan Gulka's second goal of the game at 12:08 Jordan Schneider and Jacob Zeleznikar with the assists. From here on in the Rivermen did a great job at bottling up the Vipers in their own end as Vernon's defence was having all kinds of trouble against the bigger/stronger forwards from Langley. The Rivermen with a very aggressive and strong forechek were winning most of the battles and puck wars along the boards. Langley did a great job at winding down the clock and in the second half the Vipers just didnt have the gas left in the tank to build any kind of momentum. The Vipers playing their third game in as many days looked sluggish, didnt show the speed they have couldnt generate much offensive threat. Langley would basically put the game away after Will Cook found the back of the net on another Rivermen hard working shift. Cook's goal at 16:11 was unassisted. Vernon would call a timeout with 1:53 remaining before getting Jarrod Schamerhorn to the bench for the extra attacker. Vernon with pressure in the Langley zone couldnt muster much before the Rivermen missed two shots at the empty net. Marcus Vela would eventually seal the win for Langley with an empty netter at 19:47 Hunter Anderson with the lone assist. The Langley Rivermen would come into Vernon and pick up their first win of the regular season 7-4. A wild start to the 3rd with both teams going back and fourth exchaging goals before the bigger/stronger Rivermen put the game away with four goals in the period. The Vipers tried keeping pace with Langley but couldnt hold off the Rivermen forecheck down low. Vernon with too many turnovers in their own end struggled defensively this afternoon. Langley really worked hard using their size and strength worked the Vipers along the boards, won most of the battles eating away several minutes off the clock were able to wear down Vernon. Langley outshot the Vipers 13-10.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Thomas Aldworth (1 goal & 1 assist) Was by far Vernon's best performer today. This kid is big, can skate and stick handle. Really turns up the speed in a hurry and makes things happen quickly. Created and generated several opportunities today. If your an opponent Aldworth is the kid you want to have your eyes on every shift hes on the ice.

Riley Brandt (1 goal) Was the Vipers hardest working player, like a buzsaw took a few big hits but stood on his feet and didnt back down. Plays with alot of heart and never quits skatings.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought the Vipers looked fairly good in the opening period, were really skating hard created some scoring chances but like last night couldnt hit the net or find the back of the net. Vernon missed some good chances in both the 1st and 2nd periods. The Vipers didnt get alot of shots in period one but I thought carried the better of the play at times and had the better of the chances. The Vipers struggled in the 2nd period, looked very disorganized and scrambly through out the period managed to score twice to take the lead but got into penalty trouble in the final few minutes gave up two late powerplay goals were down by one heading into the 3rd. Give Vernon credit they responded well to start the third scored early to tie the game but just couldnt hold off the Rivermen as both teams exchanged goals back and fourth before Langley iced the game with four third period goals. I thought Vernon's defence struggled in their own end, too many turnovers, lost the battles down low, blown man coverage in front and on the points had troubles getting out of their own end at times and into the attacking zone. I didnt think the Vipers passing was all that great today, several missed passes. Wasnt as crisp as it has been through out the pre-season and at the start of the regular season. Looking at this weekend I had to wonder why the Vipers were forced to play today's game with the Rivermen having the entire week-weekend off before today's game? Vernon played a hard fought home and home series with West Kelowna comes into today's game playing three games in three days while the Rivermen are well rested licking their chops. Vernon looked tired and it showed as the 3rd period went on, the Vipers just didnt have any gas left in the tank to finish the game. Vernon's last win over Langley was was a 5-1 victory on January 30th 2010.

Top Players: (Langley)

Gage Torrel (1 goal) Played a strong game on the Rivermen backend. I thought was one of if not their best d-man this afternoon. Was good at both ends of the rink, was involved in the play.

Jacob Zeleznikar (1 goal & 1 assist) Also looked good on the Langley blueline. Opened the scoring late in the 1st with a wicked wrist shot from the slot.

Brendan Gulka (2 goals & 1 assist) Scored twice in the third was also a pest, getting under the skin of several Vipers and even their fans. Gulka was taunting the Viper faithfull behind the penalty box while serving his penalty. Played a rough/physical game.

Kevan Kilistoff (1 goal) Looked good up front for the Langley Rivermen.

Eric Udahl I thought was a real energy player for the Rivermen, quick on his feet created a few opportunities worked and skated hard through out the game.

Will Cook (1 goal & 2 assists) The veteran forward recorded three points in the 7-4 victory used his size to his advantage in and around the Viper net.

Ryan Coulter & Zac Masson (1 assist) Were big super pests for Langley today. Both kids looked to try and get under the skin of the Vipers this afternoon. Both yapping at any Viper they had the chance with, were both involved in the after the whistle activities.

Game Thought's (Langley)

The Rivermen pick up their first win of the season and their 8th straight win over the Vipers. Langley who has been off since last weekend's BCHL Showcase come into Kal Tire Place today along with Surrey as the two lone teams without a win. Langley has a very big, physical, aggressive team uses their weight. The Rivermen were hard to knock off the puck or beat down low/along the boards. Langley dosnt have alot of offensive threat but really works hard, plays with an edge, a little chippy at times has a very strong forecheck, won most of the battles today earned the win. The Rivermen didnt really generate or create many scoring chances but capitalized on their chances. Give this team credit they were fully rested were able to catch the Vipers playing their third game in as many days head home with the win.

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 5-3-0-1 at home vs. Langley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 4-3-1-3 in Langley

Langley has won seven straight over Vernon

Vernon's last win in Langley was a 6-2 victory back on Saturday, November 21st 2009

Langley's last win at home over Vernon was a 2-1 overtime win on Friday, February 7th 2014

Vernon's last win at home vs Langley was a 5-1 victory on Saturday, January 30th 2010

Langleys last win in Vernon was a 5-2 victory on Saturday, February 8th 2014

The Vipers went 0-1-0-1 vs Langley last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Conference Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a 4-0 loss in the teams home opener last night are playing their third game in as many days. Vernon split a home and home series with West Kelowna this weekend have lost seven straight to Langley. The Vipers went 0-2 vs the Rivermen last year will play six of their next eight games on home ice.

Anthony Latina (2-2-4) leads the Vipers in goals with two and in points with four

The Langley Rivermen make their first and only visit of the regular season to Kal Tire Place have yet to win this season come into Vernon with a 0-2 record. The Rivermen are playing their third game of a four game road trip. The Rivermen havent played since last weekened in Chilliwack at the BCHL Showcase. Langley will play seven of their their first eight games on the road. Langley & Surrey are the only two teams without a win this season.

Evan Anderson (2-0-2) leads the Rivermen in goals with two and in points with two

Mark Ferner has twice been fired as a head coach in the Junior hockey world. Perhaps the worst year of his life was the season he took the hit for the Kamloops Blazers finishing one game over .500 and missing the playoffs.

In that same time period, he lost his older twin brothers – Kelly and Keith - and his father, Ed. Mark found some comfort in a grief-filled year when he signed on as head coach/GM with the Vipers.

He and his wife, Jody, fell in love with Vernon, made friends and bought a nice home at The Rise golf resort development.
After guiding the Vipers to three consecutive Royal Bank Cup tournaments, winning two, he wanted a bigger challenge and a little more money.

He got that with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. He knew Everett GM Doug Soetart and despite little expectation to make the playoffs, Ferner somehow got the Tips into the final post-season spot.

Past the midway point of season two in Everett, the Tips brought in Garry Davidson as GM and released Ferner. He spent last year as an associate under longtime NHL coach Guy Charron with the talent-thin Blazers, returning this year beside Blazer coaching legend Don Hay.

Now that you know where he’s been since leaving Vernon, let’s assess his second tour of duty.

Feedback from my oldtimers hockey and soccer teams in the past week have all been highly positive. They are stoked to have Ferner, who just turned 49, back. He could pull a Harvey Smyl (three decades with Chilliwack of BCHL) and spend the rest of his career with the Snakes.

“The game’s crazy,” said Ferner. “You never know what’s going to happen. We love it here; that’s why we kept the house here. Did I ever think I’d be back here this quick? Probably not. But, I always had it in the back of mind that this is the place that I love to coach. I’d love to come back here and coach. Am I an old coach by coaching standards? I’m not sure.

“I know that I said it once before that I’ll never wanna go back (to WHL), but I like to coach here and it’s something that would really, really intrigued me to really put some roots down here and if I’m able to be here 10 years, I’d really be thrilled with that.”

Ferner’s love of the game shows up on his resume big time. He played for 18 different teams. Some guys quit the game after wearing two or three jerseys.

From the Buffalo Sabres and original Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to the Orlando Solar Bears, Long Beach Ice Dogs and the Schwenningen Wild Wings, Ferner laced them up wherever they were handing out sticks and pay stubs.

He knows, understands and studies the game. He’s seen everything and can spot a shortcut in a player’s game in a heartbeat. And he’s a better coach than the first time he ran the Snakes.

“I think you’d be crazy to think you’re not growing as a coach. That’s someting I’ve always proclaimed that you’re never done learning. Have I learned things? Absolutely. I had an opportuniuty to work with two young coaches in Mitch Love and Chris Hartsburg and Doug Soetart’s still a good friend of mine. And then last year with Guy Charron (in Kamloops,) who was invaluable as far as his knowledge is concerned. And then Donnie Hay, even though it wasnt a month, it was good.

“You learn sometimes that it reassures what you know. The game’s changed a little bit and we’re gonna try and change with the game as well as far as philosphy, but the meat and potatoes of hockey is still your compete level, you have to be good defensively, you have to be good in the neutral zone. Offensively, the game’s evolving a little bit and we’ll touch on those things.”

Love is still in Everett, working under Kevin Constantine. Hartsburg moved on and signed as head coach of the U.S. Hockey League Lincoln Stars this year.

Former Viper captain Kevin Kraus, who was interim head coach at the BCHL Showcase, realizes he and fellow assistant Eric Godard are in a sweet situation like those young WHLers who coached alongside Ferner.

“Mark really wants to develop not only his team but his coaching staff as well,” said Kraus, 25. “I appreciate that because Eric and I still have a lot to learn and we want to learn from him. He’s not just having us pushing pucks. He’s already got us in discussions in the office and on the ice and he wants to know what we think of situations as well.”

Past veterans used to talk about how they never saw Ferner go bonkers, how he was always in control. It’s a trait that serves him well.

“I’d say he’s a motivator,” said Kraus. “He gets you to play the game no matter what. He’s not a yeller or a screamer. He’s not gonna scare you into playing for him. He just emotionally gets you to play for him every night and thats what he gets out of his players.”

Mark Ferner and staff spent about an hour disecting video following a 4-1 victory over the West Kelowna Warriors Friday night before 1,200 fans.

Ferner will take the win, but realizes his B.C. Hockey League team is a work in progress.

“We were OK at times, good at times and not so good at time,” summed up Ferner, making his debut as head coach in Vernon’s third game of the season. “We kind of hung on in the end and Danny (goalie Todyschuk) played well. We certainly missed our three dee.”

The Vipers brought up Vernon product Matt Halvorson from the Junior B North Okanagan Knights as Johnny Coughlin served a one-game suspension from the pre-season and Luke Shiplo nursed a broken hand suffered in a fight at training camp. Captain Riley Guenther, the Vipers’ Top Defenceman last season, is recovering from a bout of mononucleosis.

“We definitely need to work on defensive zone play,” said Ferner. “I thought our second period was real good. Our kids worked hard. I’m not going to complain about our compete level.”

Freshmen accounted for all Vernon’s scoring with Mackenzie Bauer bagging 2+1 and singles going to d-men Ryley Booth and Mitchell Oliver. Bauer, a former Brandon Wheat King Bantam draft out of Three Hills, Alta., jumpstarted the Vipers just 67 seconds after the national anthem at Royal LePage Place.

“It was a wrister from the high slot,” said Bauer. “I just picked off a pass and shot mid blocker. It felt really good. (Anthony) Latina got the puck for me.”

Bauer and Latina performed some strong corner work to get the puck to Oliver, who also beat Warriors’ veteran goalie Andy Desautels blocker side, four minutes after Bauer’s snipe.

West Kelowna veteran Liam Blackburn responded late in the first period o a powerplay, assists going to Jason Cotton and Kristian Blumenschein.

There was no scoring in the middle session despite the Vipers enjoying a 20-5 shot advantage.

Booth moved up to the top of the circle and wired an insurance marker 2:44 into the third, on the powerplay. Jake Emilio and Jagger Williamson earned helpers. Bauer found the empty net from centre ice with 74 seconds remaining.

Bauer took first star ahead of Desautels (37 saves) and Todyschuk (35 stops).

“They really came on in the last few minutes and Danny stood on his head,” said Bauer. “We played a simple game, getting pucks deep and going hard to the net. We outworked them, but there is room for improvement.”

As expected, the Interior Division is already tight after just three games. The Penticton Vees are first at 3-0, one point ahead of the Vipers, at 2-0-0-1. West Kelowna, Trail Smoke Eaters, Salmon Arm SilverBacks and Merritt Centennials are all 2-1.

The Vipers took on the Warriors at Kal Tire Place Saturday night and entertain the Langley Rivermen in a 2 p.m. matinee today.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at the Vipers home opener as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 4-0 in front of 1,767 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
West Kelowna: Andy Desautels

1st Period: Just eleven seconds into the Vipers home opener West Kelowna would get an early powerplay. The Warriors only shot with the man advantage forced Danny Todosychuk to make an awkward save with traffic in front as West Kelowna didnt generate much of any real scoring chances had atleast two tic tac toe passing plays where they couldnt connect as Vernon was able to kill off the minor. The Warriors come out with alot of jump, were skating hard carried the early edge in play didnt give Vernon alot of time or space as the Vipers couldnt get the puck into the Warriors zone. Both teams would switch having shortened powerplays with no goals before the Vipers would get a two man advantage just past the halfway mark. Vernon's powerplay looked good, moving the puck around the Vipers managed a few chances but didnt really get any quality grade A chances on the man advantage. Vernon with atleast three real nice three way passing plays couldnt convert in the end missing on a few good opportunities. Andy Desautel didnt have to make any real big game savers early did his job making the routine saves as the Warriors killed off the double minor. As the penalty expired the puck was wrapped around the boards making a full circle before coming out into the neutral zone where Jordan Masters was just stepping out of the penalty box. Masters didnt have room to cut towards the net went around the Vernon goal through the puck out front where Danny Todosychuk was caught out of position. One Warriors player couldnt bang the loose puck into the open cage as a Viper defenceman was holding off the West Kelowna forward, before Masters was quick enough to get back out front found the loose puck hit the open net giving West Kelowna a 1-0 lead at 16:04 Liam Blackburn & Ryan Ivey picked up the assists. Less then two minutes later the Warriors would get their second shot with the PP took a two goal lead after Liam Blackburn's shot was stopped by Todosychuk, Jordan Masters banged home the rebound at the side of the net beat Todosychuk tight along the post at 18:32 Blackburn and Jason Cotton with the helpers. It was 2-0 West Kelowna after 20 minutes of play. The Warriors looked good in the opening period had their legs going, played with alot of jump carried the better of the play at times. The Vipers didnt get off to the start they wanted got into penalty trouble seconds into the game and missed a great opportunity to grab the first lead of the night failing to capitalize on a double minor. Both teams didnt get any real quality chances, I thought the Warriors just capitalized on their opportunities. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 14-10.

2nd Period: The Vipers down two goals shot themselves in the foot after once again taking an early penalty to start the period. Vernon would get into penalty trouble in the second frame and it cost them. The Vipers with four straight penalties played the first half shorthanded. Just two minutes into the period the Warriors with an early PP couldnt capitalize as Vernon would kill off the minor but just 1:05 later Mac Ferner's point shot was redirected in by Brett Mennear put WK up 3-0 at 5:05 Ferner with the lone assist. Twenty seconds later the Warriors went back on the powerplay would eventually get a late two man advantage. Vernon would kill off one penalty as Trevor Fidler raced out of the penalty box caught the Warriors powerplay napping going in for the breakaway couldnt beat West Kelowna's starting goaltender Andy Desautels who made a big pad save keeping this a three goal game. Just seconds later the Vipers would take another penalty giving West Kelowna a second two man advantage. The Warriors would make the Vipers pay after Josh Bly's shot missed the net went off the end boards out front to a wide open Kylar Hope who put the puck into the open cage giving WK a 4-0 lead at 8:55 Bly & Kristian Blumenschein with the helpers. Still on the powerplay Johnny Coughlin would go in for the breakaway but a huge defensive play swiped the puck out from under Coughlin who was then upended on his way to the net. Vernon was able to kill off the remainder of the penalty. Shortly after Liam Coughlin tried setting up Thomas Aldworth on a parcial odd man rush but Aldworth couldnt connect on the pass in front. The Vipers who were shorthanded most of the period didnt see much action in the opponents zone. Less then five minutes to go Vernon would get their first powerplay of the 2nd period. With very little pressure or shots Linden Hora in the final seconds of the man advantage was robbed after a quick glove save from Desautels. The Warriors with a fairly easy penalty kill were up 4-0 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers got into penalty trouble taking four minors in a row played the first half of the period shorthanded. WK with two goals in the first half jumped out to a comfortable four goal lead were now in the drivers seat. The Vipers played most of the period in their own end didnt look good in the middle frame. Vernon needed to score atleast once if not twice on both shorthanded breakaways to try and get back into the contest couldnt buy a goal tonight. West Kelowna outshot the Vipers 20-7.

3rd Period: Jarrod Schamerhorn replaced Danny Todosychuk to start the 3rd period. In the opening few minutes Hunter Zandee with a parcial breakaway missed the net before Vernon would get an early powerplay. The Vipers down by four goals looked more interested in passing the puck around, rather then getting shots on goal as West Kelowna with a good penalty kill would kill off the minor. With the Warriors in full control both teams looked like they just wanted to wind down the clock as quick as possible and hit the showers without risking an injury. No real flow this period made for a pretty boring final frame. The Warriors got a bit of a scare after Andy Desautels took a wicked slapshot to the mask went down immediately. Backup goaltender Scott Patton put on his mask while coming onto the ice to stretch while team trainers looked at the Warriors netminder. Desauetls working on a shutout seemed to be fine stayed in the hockey game. The Vipers with several opportunities for a clear shot decided to go for the pass looking for the cute play couldnt connect missing some good opportunities. Give credit to West Kelowna's defence who were collapsing down low, blocking shots doing whatever it took to preserve Desautels shutout. WK needed almost twelve minutes to record their first shot of the period played a very well defensively tonight. The Vipers on the other hand didnt get enough shots on net carried the play but didnt get many quality chances. Andy Desautels made his biggest save of the night off Luke Voltin with four minutes remaining before Vernon would get a late powerplay. The Vipers again couldnt buy a goal before getting a late two man advantage in the final minute. With a flurry of chances in close Andy Desautels and the visiting West Kelowna Warriors were able to hold on for the 4-0 victory and shutout. Not much of a period with the Warriors in full control up by four goals. The Vipers just didnt have much left in the tank lost most if not all their juices after the first two periods. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 9-3.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Luke Voltin I thought played a pretty good game considering it was a 4-0 loss. Voltin who plays on the Vipers top line with Liam Coughlin and Thomas Aldworth played with some energy, really showed his speed tonight at times had a few looks at the net was robbed in the final four minutes of the hockey from trying to break Desautels shutout.

The line of Anthony Latina, Mackenzie Bauer & Trevor Fidler I thought was another lone bright spot in the Vernon Vipers lineup tonight. Latina who come over in a trade from the Carleton Place Canadians in August has really impressed me so far. Latina like Voltin showed his speed and played with some jump was really hustling tonight. I also liked Trevor Fidler's game, I thought Fidler and Latina showed good chemistry playing together this evening. Fidler was stoned on a 2nd periodf breakaway shorthanded was skating hard.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

After a very strong performance last night with a 4-1 win in West Kelowna I didnt think the Vipers were the same team from less then 24 hrs ago. I didnt think Vernon had their legs going to start the game and didnt seem to play with that jump and energy they showed last night in West Kelowna. A strong relentless forecheck in last night's 4-1 victory caused the Warriors to turnover the puck on several occasions. Tonight that same forecheck was nowhere to be seen. Vernon didnt generate or create alot of real good quality chances. Most of their shots were from outside with no traffic in front. I didnt think the Vipers played that bad in the 1st period but after not being able to capitalize with the double minor the Warriors gained some momentum and confidence scored just seconds after the big penalty kill to quiet the crowd, grab the early lead before jumping out to a two goal lead on the road. The second period is what killed the Vipers, Vernon got into penalty trouble and it cost them. Playing the first half of the period in the penalty box isnt going to win you hockey games. I also think the Vipers made Andy Desautels night pretty easy with very little traffic in front of the veteran twenty yr old goaltender. The Vipers were down two and four goals and yet instead of firing anything and everything towards the net to try and get a greasy one past Desautels the Vipers decided to stay to the outside, pass the puck around looking for the perfect setup-play. Desautels is one of the leagues best goaltenders and if your going to beat him the Vipers need to get more bodies in front, crash the net, make his night a little difficult. The Vipers looked to lose their mindset and confidence once the parade to the penalty box. The Vipers lose their third straight home opener. Vernon needs to be better tomorrow, regroup and get ready for an afternoon game vs the Langley Rivermen.

Top Players: (West Kelowna)

Rylan Yaremko I thought played very well on the Warriors blueline tonight. Has some size and toughness was steady on the backend all game.

The line of Dante Hahn, Jordan Masters (2 goals) & Liam Blackburn (2 assists) was West Kelowna's go to line. These three showed alot of chemistry, really had things clicking made the Vipers pay for their mistakes.

Kyle Marino also played very well on the Warriors defence.

Andy Desautels (30 saves-shutout) Picked up his third career BCHL shutout and his twenty ninth career victory. Desautels who was very good last night in the loss to Vernon wasnt tested much did make a few big saves but overall had a pretty easy night between the pipes. Saw the first shot, made the save with very little rebounds.

Game Thought's: (West Kelowna)

Give full credit to the West Kelowna Warriors who had their home opener spoiled by the Vipers last night returned the favor tonight. I thought the Warriors looked and played much better after last night's 4-1 loss. Rylan Ferster had his troops ready to go from the drop of the puck and it showed. WK had their legs going early, played with alot more jump and energy and looked much hungrier tonight. I really liked the Warriors defence, thought they played very well. Limited the Vipers opportunities, kept the Vernon shooters to the outside and were collapsing down low, blocking shots and allowing their goaltender to see most of if not all shots. I didnt think either team really had alot of good scoring chances but give credit to West Kelowna who capitalized on their chances, took advantage and made Vernon pay for their mistakes. I thought the Warriors were lucky getting a few bounces but thats how the game goes some nights. West Kelowna's penalty kill was good. With the win the Warriors improve to 3-1.

Tonight is the second of seven meetings between the Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors and the second game of a home and home series between these two teams. The Vipers went 4-2-1-0 vs West Kelowna last season. You can listen to tonight's broadcast live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 5:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon has outscored West Kelowna 153-147

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 16-7-2-2 at home vs. West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 11-14-1-1 in West Kelowna

The Vipers are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games vs West Kelowna

The Vipers are 2-8-0-0 vs West Kelowna in their last ten games at Royal Le Page Place

The Vipers have two wins in their last ten games at Royal Le Page Place

The Vipers are 8-1-1-0 in their last ten games at Kal Tire Place vs West Kelowna

The Warriors have one win in their last thirteen games at Kal Tire Place

Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday, February 15th 2014

West Kelowna's last regular season victory at Kal Tire Place was a 5-3 win on Saturday, February 9th 2013

Vernon's last win at Royal Le Page Place was a 4-1 win back on Friday, September 26th 2014

West Kelowna's last win at home vs Vernon was a 5-3 win on Friday, January 17th 2014

The Vipers went 4-2-1-0 last season vs the Warriors

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Conference Champion Vernon Vipers return home after a four game road trip going back to the pre-season. The Vipers started the regular season playing their first three games on the road now play five of their next six games on home ice. Tonight is the Vipers home opener where they have one win in their last four home openers. Tonight is the second game of a three game weekend for Vernon will host Langley tomorrow afternoon.

Anthony Latina (2-2-4) & Makenzie Bauer (2-1-3) are with the lead in goals with the Vipers in goals with two each while Latina leads the Vipers in points with four

The West Kelowna Warriors make their first of three visits to Kal Tire Place tonight in the second game of a home and home series. The Warriors have had their troubles playing in Vernon over the years have just one win in their last thirteen games at Kal Tire Place. Tonight is the first of a two game road trip (Vernon & Coquitlam) where West Kelowna will play four of their first five games.

Liam Blackburn (5-2-7) leads the Warriors in goals with five and in points with five

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at the Warriors home opener as Vernon defeated West Kelowna 4-1 in front of 1,212 fans at Royal Le Page Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
West Kelowna: Andy Desautels

1st Period: The Vipers got off to a quick start, on just their third shot of the game just over a minute into the opening period Mackenzie Bauer on a turnover beat Andy Desautels from the high slot gave Vernon the early 1-0 lead at 1:07 Bauer's goal was unassisted. Two minutes later Kylar Hope with a parcial breakaway was stopped by Danny Todosychuk. The Vipers with a strong forecheck early were forcing the Warriors into several turnovers inside their own blueline. Vernon showing a ton of speed was really flying early buzzing in the West Kelowna zone. Mackenzie Bauer with a nice pass setup Mitchell Oliver going to the net who beat Desautels in front giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead at 4:52 Bauer & Anthony Latina collected the helpers. The Warriors with a good look jumped out on a two on one but missed the net. A few minutes later the Vipers with a ton of pressure created & generated several grade A scoring chances. Thomas Aldworth with a hard low shot forced Andy Desautels to make a huge pad save before having to stop Liam Coughlin on the rebound who was driving hard to the net. Within minutes Jake Emilio's point shot was kicked out by Desautel before stopping Mitchell Oliver going hard to the net. Desautels was keeping the Warriors in the game as Vernon was buzzing outshooting WK 9-4 at this point. Just before the halfway mark the Vipers would get the games first powerplay. Vernon would struggle with the man advantage couldnt setup as West Kelowna with a fairly easy penalty kill would kill off the minor. In the second half Greydon Robinson made a nice defensive play on Liam Coughlin taking away a Vernon scoring opportunity. Jagger Williamson with a harmless looking dumpin shot from outside the blueline caught Andy Desautels off guard just got a peice of the puck with his glove as it graized over the top of the crossbar. The Warriors would get their first man advantage late in the period and wouldnt take long to capitalize. Jason Cotton's shot was stopped by Todosychuk before Liam Blackburn made contact with the Viper goaltender scored on the rebound before Kenny Citron went after Blackburn. A small scrum formed behind the Vernon goal with West Kelowna coming out on top with a powerplay. Blackburn's goal got the Warriors on the board at 17:24 Cotton & Kristian Blumenschein with the assists. The Warriors down just a goal went right back to work on their second man advantage. Moving the puck around WK with a good powerplay created some chances couldnt capitalize as the Vipers killed off the penalty just before the final buzzer. Vernon was up 2-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers with a strong start to the hockey game jumped out to a quick two goal lead had several chances couldnt beat Andy Desautels who kept the Warriors in the game early. West Kelowna couldnt generate much offence had troubles with the Vipers forecheck turning over the puck in their own end. Vernon with a strong relentless forecheck carried the better of the play were the better team after one period. Shots were even 12-12.

2nd Period: West Kelowna got off to a quick start with a hard working shift off the opening whistle. The Warriors who didnt have alot of jump in the first period were really skating hard, had some good energy to start the middle frame. Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk was forced to make a big save from in close three minutes into the period. Vernon back on their heels a bit had some troubles with the Warriors speed early. Just over five minutes into the period Vernon would get their third powerplay of the night, the Vipers with some good early pressure moved the puck around spotted Trevor Fidler in close tried going fivehole but somehow couldnt beat Warriors starting goaltender Andy Desautels who shut the door making a big save from in tight. WK would get into penalty trouble gave Vernon a two man advantage. Once again Desautels had to be the Warriors best penalty kil, come across the crease to rob Luke Voltin at the side of the net on a game saver keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers with several quality chances from in close couldnt beat the Warriors tender who was coming up large were able to excape, killing off both minors. Vernon with nine shots on the man advantage couldnt capitalize. Less then a minute later West Kelowna would get their first opportunity with the powerplay this period couldnt get much going as the Vipers were able to kill off the penalty. This period was all Vernon as the Vipers looked good with and without the puck. The Warriors just like the 1st period couldnt get any offensive chances had just one shot in about ten minutes of play. Vernon would get a late powerplay but once again couldnt solve Desautels before the Warriors would get a powerplay in the final minute wich would carry into the 3rd. Vernon was up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. West Kelowna with a strong start to the period come out flying, generated a few chances in close couldnt keep the pace going as it was all Vipers this period. Vernon went 0-3 with the man advantage but it wasnt for a lack of opportunities as Andy Desautels once again kept WK in the game making several big saves keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers dominated the play were all over the Warriors outshot West Kelowna 20-5.

3rd Period: The Warriors started the final frame on a powerplay that was carried over from the 2nd period. Before the powerplay expired West Kelowna would get a penalty sending both teams to some four on four before the Vipers would get a shortened powerplay. Thomas Aldworth with a very strong performance tonight went wide and through two Warrior defenders couldnt beat Andy Desautels in close on a great opportunity early. With Vernon on an early man advantage the Vipers would finally capitalize on the PP with just a second remaining. Ryley Booth's point shot beat Desautels gave the Vipers a 3-1 lead at 2:44 Jake Emilio & Jagger Williamson picked up the assists. Blaine Caton looked to injury himself was slow getting to the bench was looked at by the trainer but stayed in the game and looked to be fine. Liam Coughlin setup Thomas Aldworth on a Viper odd man rush but again Desautels come across the crease to make his biggest save of the night robbing Aldworth at the side of the net keeping this a two goal game. On the same play the Warriors spotted Liam Blackburn with a long stretch pass to go in all alone for the breakaway, Blackburn was stoned by Danny Todosychuk who come up with the huge pad save. West Kelowna with a much better period looked good early and often carried the better of the play seemed to have the Vipers pinned inside their own zone for minutes at a time. Just before the midway mark a mini line brawl broke loose as everyone on the ice was either tangled up with someone as everyone on both sides were pushing and shoving on something that basically happened out of nothing. Rylan Yaremko dropped the gloves and started throwing punches towards Anthony Latina before Latina got involved in the lone fight of the game. Tempers heated up in a hurry as the bad blood between these two teams showed from last years first round Playoff matchup. Latina and Yaremko were both tossed from the game for fighting while Mac Ferner was also given the boot. After everything was settled Vernon come out on top with the powerplay. The Vipers with a good powerplay were unable to connect found themselves back in their own end as West Kelowna kept coming looking to try and claw back into the game. The Warriors with some good pressure didnt have alot of room to try and create chances as the Viper defence was very solid positionally at times keeping WK to the outside hemmened along the boards. West Kelowna would get their first shot with the man advantage this period. Danny Todosychuk made a big save off a point shot before diving across the crease on the rebound to make another big save. Todosychuk was very good between the pipes tonight helped the Vipers kill off the minor. West Kelowna with a great chance had Danny Todosychuk down and out but somehow fired high and over the goal. The Warriors would get Andy Desautels to the bench with three minutes to go but only for a few seconds before the Warriors would come up with a late man advantage. Mitchell Oliver and Jake Emilio both come up with two huge defensive plays to break up a WK scoring opportunity as the Warriors were pressing with some pressure. A shot from the point looked to have go off a player in front before beating Todosychuk and then hitting the far post on a close call. The Vipers would seal the victory after Mackenzie Bauer's second goal of the night shorthanded into the empty cage put Vernon up 4-1 at 18:46 Bauer's goal was unassisted. The Vipers were able to wind down the clock and come away with the 4-1 win. West Kelowna with their best period of the hockey game looked their best created and generated some good chances. The Warriors with a ton of pressure at times couldnt buy a goal missing on two great opportunities in close. The Vipers had troubles getting into the Warriors end did play well defensively at times keeping the Warriors to the outside limiting their chances. Vernon with a huge PP goal early needed that two goal lead for a little cushion for their second win of the season. West Kelowna carried the better of the play couldnt find the back of the net outshot Vernon 19-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Mitchell Oliver (1 goal) Played very well on the Vernon blueline. Wasnt afriad to jump up into the play, made a few nice defensive plays was solid all night.

Jake Emilio (1 assist) Another Viper d-man that I thought played very well this evening. Emilio was very good at both ends of the rink, very steady, confident and sound posionally.

The line of Liam Coughlin, Thomas Aldworth & Luke Voltin was the Vipers best unit going. This line was very dangerous come up with several great scoring chances. I really like the looks of Aldworth. This kid can play. A smooth skater with soft hands, is strong on the puck and hard to defend against. Voltin can also skate, has some speed created and generated some opportunities. I really liked the looks of this line.

Jagger Williamson (1 assist) Not the biggest kid but played well in all positions. Saw some icetime on the penalty kill and played against some of the Warriors top lines. A real buzsaw, played with a ton of energy and isnt afraid to through his weight around.

Mackenzie Bauer (2 goals & 1 assist) Looked very impressive tonight. Scored twice another player who played with alot of energy and jump in his game.

Nicholas Gnazdownsky made his Vipers debut tonight didnt see alot of icetime come the 3rd period but played very well in the first two periods. I think the rookie saw one maybe two shifts in the final frame was another player who had some jump in his game, was really flying all night. Showed alot of hustle and determination battled and competed hard.

Riley Brandt has really impressed me since the first time I saw him in Training camp. Not one of bigger kids but plays big, through's his weight around, battles and competes all game. Played physical tonight, laying out a few big checks but also was stood up on the recievening end.

Danny Todosychuk (35 saves) Was named the teams #1 starter during Training camp improves to 2-0 with the win. Todosychuk wasnt tested much after 40 minutes of play made his biggest saves of the night in the third. Wearing a new painted mask Todosychuk handled his rebounds well, was very solid making 19 saves in the 3rd.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

Mark Ferner made his second debut as Vipers Coach-GM tonight after returning to the Vipers earlier this week. What a huge difference in the Vipers style of play and just their play overall through out the game tonight. I thought the Vipers were by far the better of the two teams in the first two periods. Vernon carried the edge in play and dominated most of the game after two periods were only up a goal heading into the 3rd. A huge powerplay goal early in the final period gave Vernon a bit of a cushion were able to sit on a two goal lead. The Vipers didnt have the same jump they had in the first two periods couldnt generate much offence were held in their own end most of the period. The Vipers defence did a good job at keeping the Warriors to the outside, limiting their chances. I really liked the Vipers passing tonight, I thought their breakout was very good and I was very impressed with their strong forecheck wich gave West Kelowna all kinds of troubles, forcing the Warriors into several turnovers. Vernon really showed their speed and quickness tonight, playing with some high tempo offence and getting alot of jump and energy going early and through out the game. The Vipers worked very hard and were rewarded with the two points. Overall I thought the Vipers looked and played very well tonight.

Top Players: (West Kelowna)

Jason Cotton (1 assist) Had a strong game in his second season with the Warriors. The US native looked very good with the puck. Didnt get alot of scoring chances but always noticable when with the puck.

Liam Blackburn (1 goal) I thought was another strong player for the Warriors tonight. Another player returning for a second season in WK was all over the ice. Scored the lone Warriors goal on the PP was stopped on a breakaway in the 3rd looked good with and without the puck.

Mac Ferner I thought played well on defence. Played with a bit of an edge getting in the face of several Vernon players, before being tossed from the conest.

Andy Desautels (37 saves) Was the difference in tonight's game. Another second year Warrior kept West Kelowna in tonight's game making several game savers. Desautels who was solid between the pipes last season showed no rust tonight. The veteran twenty yr old goaltender made several highlight real saves keeping this a one goal game heading into the 3rd. Without Desautels this could have easily been a 7 or 8-1 final.

Game Thought's: (West Kelowna)

The Warriors wearing their new third set jerseys tonight have now lost four of their last five home openers. West Kelowna drops to 2-1 after the loss will look for a re-match tomorrow night in Vernon. The Warriors fell behind early down two goals couldnt seem to rally. The Vipers carried the play and were the better of the two teams in the first two periods didnt give West Kelowna alot of time or space. WK with very few scoring chances in periods one and two were spending alot of time in their own end chasing the Vipers. I thought the Warriors had spurts in the first two periods where they showed life but not for very long. Down just a goal West Kelowna come out with a strong third period played their best but couldnt hold the Vipers off the scoreboard and couldnt get any on the scoreboard. The Warriors missing a few glorious chances missed atleast two open nets, hit the post once in the 3rd just didnt seem to have much puck luck tonight. West Kelowna caused way too many turnovers and gave up way too many Viper scoring opportunities. Getting outshot 20-5 in a period is never going to win you many hockey games hockey games. Overall if you were a Vernon fan this was a very entertaining hockey game and a bounce here or there and this could have been a different outcome for the Warriors. A great turnout for the Warriors home opener, one of the biggest crowds I have seen at Royal Le Page Place.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Tonight is the first of seven meetings between the Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors. The Vipers went 4-2-1-0 vs West Kelowna last season. You can listen to tonight's broadcast live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon has outscored West Kelowna 149-146

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 16-7-2-2 at home vs. West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 10-14-1-1 in West Kelowna

The Vipers are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games vs West Kelowna

The Vipers are 2-8-0-0 vs West Kelowna in their last ten games at Royal Le Page Place

The Vipers have one win in their last nine games at Royal Le Page Place

The Vipers are 8-1-1-0 in their last ten games at Kal Tire Place vs West Kelowna

The Warriors have one win in their last thirteen games at Kal Tire Place

Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday, February 15th 2014

West Kelowna's last regular season victory at Kal Tire Place was a 5-3 win on Saturday, February 9th 2013

Vernon's last win at Royal Le Page Place was a 6-2 win back on Saturday, February 1st 2014

West Kelowna's last win at home vs Vernon was a 5-3 win on Friday, January 17th 2014

The Vipers went 4-2-1-0 last season vs the Warriors

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Conference Champion Vernon Vipers will wrap up a three game road trip tonight, make their first of four visits to Royal Le Page Place. Tonight is a re-match of last year's opening round BCHL playoff matchup between the Vipers & Warriors, wich Vernon took in six games. Tonight is also the first game of a home and home series between these two clubs. The Vipers have one win in their last nine games at Royal Le Page Place. Vernon went 1-0-0-1 in the BCHL Showcase last weekend will play three games this weekend. Mark Ferner will make his return to the Vipers bench tonight.

Anthony Latina (2-1-3) leads the Vipers in goals with two and in points with three

The West Kelowna Warriors return home after going 2-0 at the BCHL Showcase last weekend in Chilliwack with wins over Cqouitlam & Nanaimo. Tonight the Warriors host the Vernon Vipers in the teams home opener before jumping back on the road for the next two games. West Kelowna has lost three of their last four home openers. The Warriors finished tied for 1st place in the Interior Division last year, finished 2nd due to more Penticton wins have nine players returning from last season. West Kelowna lost eleven games on home last year will play four of their first five regular season games away from home.

David Pope (27-23-50) lead the Warriors in goals last season with twenty seven. Seb Lloyd (20-42-62) lead West Kelowna in points with sixty two. Liam Blackburn (4-1-5) leads the Warriors in goals this season with four and is tied in the Warriors lead with five points with Jason Cotton & Jonathan Desbiens.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.